#2007f0
3
0
1
Apr 22, 2020 19:54:15 GMT
3
Dymion
129
Aug 13, 2015 23:35:49 GMT
August 2015
dymion
|
Post by Dymion on Oct 5, 2015 17:38:09 GMT
"Nonsense. Everyone deserves a chance to have fun at a party. How can you do anything if you're way off in the distance?"
The fake smile on Erin's lips disappeared. Her arm lowering slightly as she breathed a sigh of frustration. The woman, Quinn, was still here, still talking to her, still looking at her. It seemed that simply being herself wouldn't do it this time. And she wasn't in the mood to play games, or try harder to get rid of her. As it was, she honestly simply wished to be back in her room reading the Covikendium. But she was stuck here, surrounded by noise and dramatic efforts to woo someone... anyone.
Then Quinn reached for Erin's arm. The healer's eyes widened only slightly, an instant reflex freezing every muscle as her eyes glared at the moving hand. It stopped. For a brief moment, both sides were petrified by their own forces, seemingly frozen in time. Then Erin's eyes moved, slowly, purposefully, until her gray eyes glared into the woman's. They were like daggers, daring her to attempt what she had started. There could be no greater sign of what Erin was thinking. Don't. You. Dare. Another brief second passed, and slowly, Erin lowered her arm, putting it to her side and across her chest. As if to protect herself. The glare in her eyes died away, but the fire was still there. And it was present in her voice, a hard tone taking shape and melding with her usual, husky tone as it steadily crescendoed.
"How can I do anything when I am stuck here, forced to suffer through three days of nothing but celebration when I have no interest? How can I do anything when I have to go to something so pointless because 'It'll be good for me." She took a step closer, leaning in as her eyes bored into the woman's. Her voice became quiet, an intense, low whisper resonating in the close space. "If you can tell me a holiday is more important than a life, then maybe I'm not the damaged one."
She froze, then and there, as shock and terror crippled her thoughts. She'd let it slip. The word she'd heard. What the others called her. She couldn't believe it. Just like that, she had just... Her breath was ragged as she pulled back, eyes looking at her feet. A swift glance up at the woman, and quickly, her eyes again were downcast. She swallowed, a bitter taste in her mouth. Her next word was even softer than the earlier whisper, almost lost in the sounds of celebration.
"Sorry."
|
|
#ed1717
2
0
1
5
Annasiel
At last, my peace. I found it in her eyes.
369
Aug 13, 2015 22:40:06 GMT
August 2015
annasiel
|
Post by Annasiel on Oct 5, 2015 18:03:29 GMT
Under the woman's scathing gaze, Quinn's arm withered. She took a step back, face falling somewhere between disappointment and fear. Her hand fell down to her hip, clenched in a fist.
Forced to suffer... no one is forced to suffer! You didn't have to go to this festival, you don't have to yell at me, it's all your...
"...maybe I'm not the damaged one."
The sentence hit Quinn hard. She audibly gasped, and clutched herself around the waist. When she spoke again, her words were as quiet as the unregistered apology.
"For some people, this is their life. Is that really so hard to understand?" The socialite could feel her eyes moistening, her warmth gained from the party drawing deep into her core. She began to shiver.
You're the damaged one. You heard her. And here you are, fishing for sympathy, acting like a spineless idiot to press an agenda you should have long abandoned.
"I... I think I should go now," she muttered, shoulders sagging. "I'm sorry you hate me."
|
|
inherit
10
0
Jan 17, 2019 22:10:26 GMT
4
blacknoise
I don't have kik.
273
Aug 14, 2015 15:19:56 GMT
August 2015
blacknoise
|
Post by blacknoise on Oct 5, 2015 19:07:29 GMT
Was that a yes or a no? Alek's insides churned with uncertainty, though outwardly she remained calm and collected as always. Being the leader of a very large, criminal organization made faking certainty come almost naturally to her. It was easy to put on a smile and pretend like she knew what she was doing, even when she was completely in the dark. Inwardly screaming, she responded, "I would like that very much. If I remember correctly, the contests and games are tomorrow. I'm not one for all of that noise, we could practice then? Unless, of course, you have something planned with your family. I understand completely, we could find time tonight instead, whichever you are more comfortable with."
She did not understand, really, the constraints of a family. She tried to understand having a few of her own blood who demanded her presence at events, but it was most certainly difficult. Alek was orphaned in Sodden Down at a very young age, none of the priestesses really resonated with her like sisters, they were simply tools to be used. Even when she was young, they feared her more than they liked her. These feelings, liking someone, trying to understand how a family worked, they were all knew and strange to her. She liked it, she thought.
It did not occur to Alek that she was, perhaps, doing something unorthodox. Many, if not most, people courted and married because they wanted children, Alek was entering a situation where such a thing would be impossible. It was not even a thought in her mind that, perhaps, Vivienne would want something Alek could not give her. A strange, new feeling blinded Alek to the future, for the first time she found herself diving into something without an idea of what was to come of it. This feeling, was it love?
|
|
#2007f0
3
0
1
Apr 22, 2020 19:54:15 GMT
3
Dymion
129
Aug 13, 2015 23:35:49 GMT
August 2015
dymion
|
Post by Dymion on Oct 5, 2015 20:06:28 GMT
Damaged. That was the word that got the response she had been looking for. In an instant, all of the energy and vibrancy had been sucked from Quinn, and it seemed that the woman was very willing to leave Erin alone. But now... this wasn't what she wanted. Something had given, cracked from that simple word. Damaged. Why had she said it? The very word was like a poison on her tongue, a venom that had been pumped into her since Daniel had passed. And now, like all the others, she had used it to strike at what she didn't like. The ideal revolted her, and as her softened gaze lighted on the woman, she saw an echo of how she had felt after each utterance. When she spoke, her words were soft, almost mournful.
"I... I don't hate you, it's just..." She paused, considering her words carefully as she inhaled deeply. Something she had never done. "I don't belong here. I was forced here because... well, because I'm..." She struggled to find a different word, one far from what popped in her mind. She couldn't. "...damaged." The sensation of saying it sent chills through her spine. It rang no truer than when she said it herself. "Please, forgive me, I... I didn't mean it." Though shame crippled her, she kept her eyes on Quinn. Something had struck home.
|
|
inherit
19
0
0
Guest
78
Aug 15, 2015 17:44:50 GMT
August 2015
guest
|
Post by Guest on Oct 5, 2015 21:42:25 GMT
Alek didn't seem to mind her comment about compliments. That was good. It probably hadn't even crossed the redhead's mind. Vivienne expected a casual dismissal of her inferiority on the dance floor. Dancing either came naturally or it didn't, and if it didn't you'd be better off observing than embarrassing yourself and others! The eldest remembered her mother's instructions for dance but was content letting Dalia steal the spotlight. It'd always been that way. Even after.. But Alek wanted to dance with her and Vivienne wanted to enjoy the attention for once.
"Tomorrow I'll be covered in flowers. My girls, uh- my sisters, they've been very excited about making their crowns and masks. I'll be finishing them while they enjoy the games," she started. "You don't look like the kind to weave flowers, hehe."
The image of the fiercely armored woman covered in petals was comical. Vivienne only indulged that thought for a little while. She couldn't tell if being reminded about feminine things was something her new acquaintance tolerated or disliked. So she decided to cut straight to the answer.
"Tonight. And tomorrow night, if you'd like."
|
|
#ea7ca1
5
0
1
Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
3
Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
|
Post by Leb on Oct 6, 2015 1:30:29 GMT
Lia happily tugged away at her parents' hands leading them to where she last saw the Queen. She pulled with all her might dragging what most would consider pushing against a stone wall all the while voicing her urgency to move faster, lest they miss the chance to greet Lady Theolandra. My how Lia fancied the queen. She looked up to the queen with admiration for everything she stood for. She was a mighty hero who slayed dragons and saved a kingdom and and and! She's gorgeous, graceful, the greatest queen ever! A force to be reckoned with and gentle and kind. Everything about her is lovely and she could do no wrong! Not to Lia!
"Come onnnnn! She's right there!!!"
Lia then let go of her parents' hands once she caught the beautiful lady in her sight. Giddily, the child bounced from one foot to the other before she suddenly coughed and straightened herself out. First impressions were important after all! Oh who was she kidding? She couldn't possibly contain all this excitement.. Lady Wovenwind was right in front of her, in the flesh! The most girlish and giddiest of squees had escaped the girl as she bounced up and down in the presence of the queen who stood beside a stand handing out all sorts of chocolates.
The girl was starstruck and was at a loss for words until Eleanor stood beside her. Harold patted Lia's head to calm her as Eleanor spoke for the three.
"A wonderful sight to see your presence here, your highness." She smiled and eyed the scrumptious truffles at the corner of the stand. "Do you perhaps fancy a chocolate? They're quite delicious."
"Your, highness.." Harold bowed his head in respect and as a gesture to greet as he spoke the typical of simple greetings. "If you'll excuse me."
Eleanor nodded in silent understanding as she watched her husband weave through the crowd. It was quite simple as he was a tall man with a large frame. The sea of people parted for him and he needn't worry much in knocking into someone but still took care of watching where he went. Harold saw the orange tent and knew what lied beneath it. This whole morning was hell for the man. Watching the stares men would give to his daughters' directions. Sympati bless his heart! He stood beside a young man a few inches shorter than he. Ashy brown locks topped the stocky man's head. He was a clean-shaven lad, and knew of decency. He shook his head in mid cross-examination between the man and the goat who walked his daughter home every night since that day. He has nothing against the different races, just that the faun was a hoodlum and a danger to Loretta. He spoke with her many a times about him but she continues to stubbornly believe there's goodness in him.
Harold sighed and took a swig of warm hard cider. He turned about in tandem with the fellow beside him as he took a headcount of his own. Eleanor and Lia beside the Queen in conversation as Harris silently played marbles with a couple of girls and other boys. Elanor and Loretta were together thankfully as the two held their own conversations whilst sharing candied apples between them. Harold unintentionally spoke his frustrations aloud and heaved a sigh.
"Gods have mercy.."
|
|
inherit
19
0
0
Guest
78
Aug 15, 2015 17:44:50 GMT
August 2015
guest
|
Post by Guest on Oct 6, 2015 2:35:34 GMT
Willem watched the taller man enter the tent with purpose. After ordering a drink he immediately started to scan the crowd. The captain recognized what he was doing.. He was a father too. A real one unlike himself. The stress was evident on the worn skin that wrinkled his face just slightly. A cider was passed to him shortly after. Cider, that was a good choice. That'd be his next drink.
"Gods have mercy..."
"Let's hope so," Willem said in response without looking toward his new neighbor at the counter. If the man wanted to speak again he could but Willem wouldn't force anything out of him. At the least their shared feelings would live and die comfortably on the silent swigs of their drinks.
|
|
#ed1717
1
0
1
Sept 9, 2017 19:51:41 GMT
5
Lev
191
August 2015
admin
|
Post by Lev on Oct 6, 2015 4:17:35 GMT
Theolandra had just bit into a delightful ball of swirled chocolate when a high- pitched squeel, like a grinding gear or excited animal, made her jump and look around. When she didn't spot anything unordinary at eye level she looked toward to feet to see if she'd stepped on something. That's when she saw Lia, a little bright-eyed morsel that was shaking like she was on a sugar high. The Lady couldn't remember the last time she saw a child so bushy-tailed.
"Hello, my dear," she said with a smile, careful to swallow before speaking. That's when the parents chimed in. Theolandra nodded a greeting to both of them. "I'd help myself to a dozen truffles if I could, but they're too rich to eat alone. Perhaps you could share them with me, miss..?" Her blue eyes locked with Lia's, shining happily.
|
|
inherit
10
0
Jan 17, 2019 22:10:26 GMT
4
blacknoise
I don't have kik.
273
Aug 14, 2015 15:19:56 GMT
August 2015
blacknoise
|
Post by blacknoise on Oct 6, 2015 4:23:48 GMT
Alek laughed gently at Vivienne's comment, her mind immediately imagining herself covered in flowers. Mildly allergic to most grasses of the field and blooms, it would most certainly be an embarrassing hell. Shaking her head, she replied gently, "No, afraid I'm not." As they walked, Alek began scanning the crowd, it could not be long before Williem spotted them. While the two did not necessarily avoid nor walk near wherever the guard captain found himself relaxing, Alek knew that he would be nearby, somewhere, disapproving of this interaction.
Looking gently to Vivienne, Alek slowly reached for the woman's hand to kiss it ever so lightly as she responded, "I'd like that very much. I'm afraid I'll have to take my leave, but I'll be in the gardens tonight, waiting for you."
At that, the armored woman bowed and took her leave, making her way towards the exit of the courtyard. She would need to get prepared for the night, as well as look over some business 'ventures' before it was too late. She had sacrificed time to be here, but she felt it was time well used. However, she could still be easily intercepted, should Williem see her in time and gather the courage, or anger, to tell her something.
But Alek wasn't sure, in her high emotional state, if she would even care. The only thoughts on her mind were her need to tell this to her only two friends in the world, Valiya, her best friend, and Horel, her drinking buddy.
|
|
#ea7ca1
5
0
1
Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
3
Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
|
Post by Leb on Oct 7, 2015 1:29:21 GMT
"Let's hope so,"
Harold raised a brow to his neighbor and figured him a man like he. He looked too young to have fathered any girls of marriageable age, but his child-like face could have easily veiled his true age. Harold nodded in response and raised his glass in a toasting fashion.
"I'll drink to that." And he did so. Down the drink slipped as the spiced apple flavors wet his throat. As he finished, he gestured toward the crowd whilst looking over to the man. He stated rather than asked in a tone that conveyed something akin to empathy. "Daughters?"
|
|
#ed1717
2
0
1
5
Annasiel
At last, my peace. I found it in her eyes.
369
Aug 13, 2015 22:40:06 GMT
August 2015
annasiel
|
Post by Annasiel on Oct 7, 2015 1:58:42 GMT
The exuberance was slow to return to Quinn's face, and it did not nearly match the glow it had before, but it was there. The corners of her mouth twitched upward, and her hands relaxed. The woman before her no longer registered as a threat. No, in that one simple acceptance that she was damaged too, she became to Quinn almost... an ally. The socialite did not actively think this, nor did she realize her perceptions changed at all. Yet, a warmth showed now when she looked at her new-found friend.
"It's alright. I forgive you. Not everyone likes parties, however grumpy-faced that makes them look," Quinn replied happily. "but still, does that really mean you have to sit around in your sadness? Life is there to live. When you see it like a chore, you're going to be upset, but when you let go of everything, let go of your reservations and fears, it becomes an adventure."
Wellsirree, that sounds familiar. Do you really see yourself in a place to give life advice?
The hand again moved forward, palm upwards towards the solemn, shame-faced mourner. It didn't presume to touch on whom had rejected it, but instead hovered expectantly in the air.
"Let go of your fears. Ignore your sadness. Let the body that's felt whatever pain it has die, and let the real you be born from its skin. Please, beautiful miss,"
Quinn winked.
"...frolic with me through the flowers? I see a patch over there that looks particularly... er... frollicable."
Nailed it. If you were trying to sound like a cliched ditz, at least.
|
|
inherit
19
0
0
Guest
78
Aug 15, 2015 17:44:50 GMT
August 2015
guest
|
Post by Guest on Oct 7, 2015 3:58:44 GMT
Willem raised his glass in turn to accept and salute the man's toast. The vendor noticed the half-empty glass in the captain's hand and promptly suggested another round. His neighbor's spiced golden drink looked even more appetizing on the way down..It was time for that cider! Meanwhile, the older man motioned toward the colorful crowd. Willem's eyes instinctively sharpened to see if he was pointing to something specific and if it had anything to do with his sisters. But the gesture was too casual in the end. The remark moreso.
"Daughters?"
A laugh bubbled up in Willem's chest but only mustered a deep chuckle. Why did he laugh? He wanted children.. In a way he had children already. Maybe that confusion is what made it amusing? Maybe not.. The vendor's brittle fingers tapped him out of thought so he could grab his cider.
"No, sir. Sisters. Seven of them." The tone of his response was somewhere between tired and proud.
|
|
#ea7ca1
5
0
1
Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
3
Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
|
Post by Leb on Oct 7, 2015 6:33:35 GMT
The man chuckled and Harold figured he was right to think the man too young for daughters near his daughters' age. He nearly cracked a smile as he thought it amusing he'd share sentiments with a younger lad. The server behind Harold had asked if he wished to drink another but he shook his head. "One is enough for me." He replied. It wasn't like he'd be blacked out drunk or anything by the next drink. He needed his hand-eye coordination to be on point if he were to be needed if a situation were to arise. And definitely a level-head as well, best not to dive in head first lest ye lose yer head for not looking first.
"No, sir. Sisters. Seven of them."
Harold chuckled at the thought of all his children being girls save for one boy. Which really mostly meant one of his boys being a girl and an extra child. The chaos they would brew together! He sympathized with the man and patted his shoulder as a notion of empathy. And with a man who behaved like Willem as a brother, he could only assume them all to be troublesome girls that caused him to worry too much, yet still do anything for them.
"I'm sure they've grown into fine young ladies with you to look after them."
"Hello, my dear," Theolandra said with a smile. Lia gasped in silent awe as her hero greeted her. "I'd help myself to a dozen truffles if I could, but they're too rich to eat alone. Perhaps you could share them with me, miss..?" Her blue pools shone and shimmered happily to Lia's rich chocolate ones.
"L-lia, your highness!" Lia's cheeks burned as she nearly squawked in front of her queen. Eleanor stroked Lia's head to assuage her child before tilting her head down to speak with her.
"Would you like to share truffles with her highness?" she asked sweetly to which Lia nodded her head vigorously.
"Yes, please!" Lia exclaimed, her giddiness returning to the energetic child once more.
|
|
inherit
19
0
0
Guest
78
Aug 15, 2015 17:44:50 GMT
August 2015
guest
|
Post by Guest on Oct 7, 2015 19:18:22 GMT
Willem nodded in acceptance of the man's praise. Where were his manners? Toasting drinks and talking about family without even giving the gentleman his name! Mother would abandon her grave to smack him senseless before rolling over in it. But father always said 'you need to know the man's boot size before you know his name'. Suffice it to say that Willem grew under two very different teaching styles and had somehow blended them with age. Without furthering chit-chat he held out his hand toward the man to offer a shake.
"Willem DeCarlisle, Captain of the guard. Pleasure."
After the man returned the shake Willem turned back to the crowd. His eyes quickly found the younger girls.. They'd move on from playing marbles to weaving through the crowds with their ribbons and boys in tow. Vivienne appeared in her light blue dress and put a small mystery to ease. She was standing next to Dalia and Arista at a candied apple stand. Was she blushing? Why..
"Where are your daughters? One of my sister's is bound to know them," he started with a small joke. The size of the DeCarlisle brood made knowing the local children an easy task. They entertained so many small faces it was hard to keep count.
|
|
#ea7ca1
5
0
1
Jan 27, 2019 20:04:50 GMT
3
Leb
The loneliest are the kindest. The saddest smile the brightest. The most damaged are the wisest.
223
August 2015
leb
|
Post by Leb on Oct 7, 2015 20:56:45 GMT
Willem DeCarlisle did he say? Captain of the guard was it? Harold nodded and grasped his hand shaking it firmly. He's heard of this family before. They were a family of siblings that had came to Etirath not too long ago. Elanor had spoken of the girls her age here and there but not much else was said. Harold wasn't much for socializing with strangers but Willem made the exception. He was a neighbor, a leader, and more importantly, a man of honor and caliber. And it was definitely a pleasure to have met a man like he.
"Harold Authern, herder. Well met Willem."
Harold kept his watchful eye on Harris who weaved through the crowd to outrun older boys in their game of tag. He glanced over to his wife with Lia who shared chocolates with Lady Theolandra, which brought a broad smile to his face watching his little girl's face light up with excitement.
"Where are your daughters? One of my sister's is bound to know them," The tone was light, a small joke that only those with large families could understand. At this he scanned over the stands once more catching sight of the bright red tunic Elanor donned with Loretta at her side.
"My youngest, Lia, is by her highness with my wife," He answered and motioned his head in the general direction of where they had still stood.
"My elder daughters are over there," he gestured with his drink in hand in the direction of the pastry stand filled with small cakes and sweet bread. "The two beside each other, Elanor in the bright red and Loretta in the light blue." Harold sighed as he noticed boys giving his daughters sideways glances and stared them down boring his eyes into theirs when they accidentally made eye-contact with the old man. The boys ran off with their tails tucked between their legs. Not on his watch will they brave the idea!
|
|